Secretary of State Meets Minister Sugiono to Address Indonesia’s Tariff Challenges

Washington: Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono met with United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, on April 16, 2025. The reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US on Indonesia were also discussed.

Spokesperson for the US Department of State Tammy Bruce said that the two foreign ministers did discuss the issue of tariffs imposed by Indonesia.

"Minister Rubio and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono discussed the US's reciprocal tariffs on Indonesia, and the Minister welcomed Indonesia's efforts to introduce economic reforms towards a fair and balanced trade relationship," said Bruce, after the meeting between Menu Rubio and Sugiono, quoted from the US Department of State's press statement, Thursday, April 17, 2025.

The arrival of Minister Sugiono is the first step for Indonesia to negotiate the tariffs issued by Donald Trump. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto has left for the US to negotiate Trump's tariffs. Previously, Donald Trump announced a 10 percent base import tariff on more than 180 countries on April 2, 2025.

"Foreign Minister Rubio also thanked Foreign Minister Sugiono for Indonesia's efforts in facilitating the repatriation of deportees from the United States," added Bruce.

Previously, Trump's immigration policy made immigrants wary. Two Indonesian citizens were involved in immigration violations. Director of Indonesian Citizen Protection and BHI Judha Nugraha said that there were two potential Indonesian citizens who were detained by immigration officers. One was detained in Atlanta, Georgia, and one was detained in New York in January-February 2025.

"Previously, since the beginning of this policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with six representatives of the Indonesian Consulate General had carried out anticipatory measures. We have coordinated virtually," added Judha.

For the Indonesian citizen with the initials TRN, who was arrested on January 29, 2025 and there was no information about the arrest process. The Indonesian Consulate General in Houston has been able to communicate and gain access. In addition, the conference schedule for TRN has been determined for February 10. Meanwhile, an Indonesian citizen with the initials BK was arrested in New York on January 28, 2025. Arrested during the annual report at the ICE office.

In addition to discussing tariffs and immigration, Foreign Minister Rubio also emphasized the importance of the US-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and shared interests in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

"They discussed ways to deepen cooperation on protection and security, including efforts to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in accordance with international law," said Bruce.

Bruce added that Foreign Minister Rubio highlighted the importance of the maximum pressure campaign on the Iranian regime to limit the revenue streams it uses to finance alleged arguments, ballistic missile production, and other destabilizing activities.

"Both Foreign Minister Rubio and Foreign Minister Sugiono underscored the importance of continuing to advance our partnership," Bruce added.